WASHINGTON -- What happens after the last precinct is closed, the last ballot is counted, and a new Congress convenes in January? Pundits say no matter what the outcome, one thing is certain: Gridlock in Washington is virtually inevitable.

Consequently, major legislative victories such as health care and financial regulatory reform will likely become things of the past.

CBN News White House Correspondent David Brody and the Wall Street Journal's John Fund provided insight on what to expect from Democrats and Republicans going forward. Click play for their comments.

Gerson Moreno-Riano, dean of Regent University’s School of Undergraduate Studies and associate professor of government, also offered his opinions on what the new balance of balance of power in Congress means on CBN News'Morning News, Nov. 3. Click here for his comments.

"I think it's going to be very contentious," predicted Simon Rosenberg, head of the Democratic advocacy group New Democratic Network.

"In reality, this is going to be a tough couple of years for everyone in Washington, and it's going to be tough to get big things done," Republican strategist Ron Bonjean agreed.

With Republicans likely to regain control of the House and pick up seats in the Senate, President Obama won't be able to rely on the Democratic majorities he's had for the past 21 months. The president has already signaled a need to shift gears after the election.

"Political season is going to be over soon," he warned. "And when it does, all of us are going to have a responsibility - Democrats and Republicans - to work together wherever we can to promote jobs and growth."

Republicans have made it clear where they plan to direct their focus.

"What we need to be focusing on is jobs, spending and debt," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told ABC News' "This Week."

"The government is out of control in Washington, and we need to rein it in and begin a new drive for a smaller, less costly and more accountable government in our nation's capital," Senate Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, added.

Some believe GOP control of one chamber could work to Obama's advantage, putting more responsibility on the party to legislate.

John Jessup

CBN News Anchor

John Jessup serves as the main news anchor for CBN, a position he assumed after 10 years reporting for the network in Washington, D.C. His work in broadcast news has earned him several awards in reporting, producing, and coordinating elections coverage. Follow John on Twitter @JohnCBNNews and "like" him at Facebook.com/John.V.Jessup.